Towards an open-source framework for Fluid–Structure Interaction using SU2, MBDyn and preCICE

Abstract

Fluid–Structure Interaction (FSI) problems are a primary concern for the aerospace industry. Predicting the deformation of flexible structures due to aerodynamic forces is essential in different scenarios, e.g., for determining the performance of rotorcrafts and wind turbines. In this context, we present a new high-fidelity, open-source, modular, and user-friendly FSI simulation framework by coupling the well-established fluid solver SU2 with the multi-body structural solver MBDyn. The SU2 suite solves steady and unsteady Euler and RANS equations using a finite volume method on unstructured grids. The aerodynamic loads on the surfaces are then passed to MBDyn. Through a multi-body analysis, rotations, displacements, and the structural response of rotorcraft systems are efficiently computed and exchanged back with the fluid solver. A partitioned approach is used between the two codes, each specific for a single physical domain. Both explicit and implicit coupling were considered. The coupling is obtained through the library preCICE, which treats the two specialized solvers as “black boxes” and provides data mapping between non-matching grids. Classical FSI test cases are presented and results are compared with data from literature to validate the framework.